Saunders lost in the second round at the Beijing Olympics

Hertfordshire boxer Billy Joe Saunders will make his professional debut in Birmingham on 28 February.

The 19-year-old will fight on the Matt Skelton undercard, but his opponent has not yet been announced.

He told BBC Three Counties Radio: "I've had a nice rest since the Olympics. Now all the hard work starts again."

Saunders became the first Romany to represent Great Britain at the Olympics when he competed as a welterweight in Beijing - but lost in the second-round.

He has signed up to the Frank Warren Sports Network stable, alongside fellow Beijing Olympians James DeGale and Frankie Gavin, who will both also debut on the same card.

Hoddesdon-based Saunders has kept faith in trainer Danny Hoy.

He said: "Danny is a very good coach and he got me to the Olympic games. He has been around pro boxing and knows pro boxing, and I reckon that's a good move."

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